The Collapse of Austria-Hungary and Germany Flashcards
What was the state of affairs for AH and G in 1918?
The emperor is in exile after renouncing his role in the affairs of the state. After the Treaty of Versailles, AH is divided into smaller countries.
Who was Lundendorff?
A political loose cannon who had some success in WW1. He was unwilling to take responsibilities in the battlefield. He believed that Germany could have won the war if they hadn’t signed the Treaty of Versailles.
How was Germany run?
Run by the Kaiser (emperor) who had advisers. They have a Reichstag (parliament) which was divided (conservatives, liberals, socialists, communists)
What happened October 1918, in Germany with the navy?
Military was a part of Germany’s loss. The Admiral wanted to have a final battle against the British navy, so they could die with glory, as there was no hope of winning.
The German sailors didn’t like that (and they had been hearing the communist ideas of peace) so they formed a workers/military council (a soviet) and revolted in Kiel.
Why did the communist revolution fail in Germany 1918?
Communist revolution spread all throughout Germany by November 10. The revolution failed because the socialist party didn’t like the communists anymore. They wanted the parliamentary democracy and didn’t like the violence of the uprisings.
What role did Philip Scheidemann have in the revolt?
He had the power to take over government because he had a position in the Reichstag unlike Liebnecht. He declared Germany a republic on November 9, 1918, saying the socialists were taking over the government. The new president was Friedrich Ebert. They didn’t want communism in Germany.
What was Liebnecht’s mission in Germany?
To spread the idea of communism and spark a communist revolution.
Who were the Friekorps and what actions did they take?
They were an extreme right-wing political group. They were a group of armed fighters hating communism. They fought for the socialists (which was a militia). They were anti-communist (sparking the birth of Nazism). Relying on them was dangerous.
The Friekorps went on a purge on communists on partially their own authority. January 15, 1919, they murdered Liebnechts and Rosa Luxemburg without government consent. It was done outside the justice system so they got away with their actions.
What happened when the elections took place in Germany?
The communist threat was dealt with. They were free elections and Ebert wins presidency. The Wiemar republic is born. There was democracy for the first time along with free elections, religion, churches, speech and women’s vote.
What were some challenges that the new government had to deal with in Germany?
- Veteran demobilization
- Millions of dead and wounded
- Friekorps power
- Communist still simmering
- Enraged conservatives
- who will negotiate the (terrible) peace treaty?
- German economy is in ruins. They are broke and have massive fees/fines for WW1 reparations
What was Germany’s Article 48?
In times of national emergency parliament can suspend democracy and rule by decree. In the wrong hands, this can become a dictatorship.
